Real Salt Lake vs. Whitecaps blog: love ‘em & hate ‘em

Whitecaps 2-1 RSL

The Vancouver Whitecaps, without the help of their starting goalkeeper Joe Cannon, managed a huge 2-1 victory over second place Real Salt Lake.

The ‘Caps are now four points up on fifth place L.A. Galaxy, and more importantly eleven on sixth place FC Dallas.

Love ’em

No Cannon? No problem!

Joe Cannongot a straight red card in Vancouver’s last match, handling the ball outside the box (saving a goal albeit). His one game suspension meant he would miss the home rematch against Real Salt Lake. Brad Knighton stepped in for him, and the result was terrific.

Knighton’s ability to push the ball downfield with his excellent power, or athleticism going up for a ball showed through in the victory. He didn’t look like a player making his 15th career MLS start, first in two seasons, but he looked more like a savvy veteran, absolutely exhorting confidence when challenged.

Camilo O Magico!

For the second straight game, Camilo looked more like the player from last year, a crafty playmaker who could bury it when given any space, not like the player who’s fallen out of favor with new coach Martin Rennie. He scored his first goal since May, but has started the last four matches. He’s climbed his way out of Rennie’s doghouse and into the starting lineup.

Super Sub

On came newcomer Andy O’Brien in the 31st minute and he was there to prove something. Despite only being on the club for less than two weeks, he didn’t look out of place, and had chemistry with Martin Bonjour immediately.

He was everything he was talked up to be, a solid defender who just goes along and does his job.

The excellent backline didn’t seem to miss a beat without their best cog.

Hate ’em

Uh oh, not again…

When captain Jay DeMeritand goalie Brad Knighton collided in the 31st minute, there was a collective gasp amongst the Whitecaps faithful, and a collective exhale when they both got up.

But then, just a few short seconds later, DeMerit sat on the BC Place turf, and you could just tell something wasn’t okay, 20 000 Whitecap fans all fearing the worst for their captain.

For the second straight game, Camilo looked more like the player from last year

After suffering numerous groin injuries last season, DeMerit was finally healthy this season and the ‘Caps were doing great. Hopefully captain DeMerit is healthy and ready to go for next week’s road trip against the Sounders and Timbers.

New tiebreaking rules

Despite the victory by the Whitecaps, they still must feel frustrated and the obvious missed penalty by a Salt Lake defender in the 10th minute, basically cleaning Barry Robson’s clock while he was vying for the ball.

With new tiebreaker rules making goals for more important than goal differential, they could use another goal or two.

They currently sit fourth in the conference, but seventh in goals for.

Would you just score already?

For the second consecutive match, rookie Darren Mattocksfailed to find the back of the net on big chances.